Another MP, Gordon Henderson (20/1), has also denied plans to defect, despite being approached by Ukip. But denials should not be taken at face value . Up until the moment of his defection, Mark Reckless had insisted he wouldn't move.

Peter Bone, formerly tipped by Ladbrokes as favourite to go prior to Reckless’s announcement, is now second favourite at 4/1 along with Philip Hollobone. The likelihood of three MPs defecting has increased - Pritchard, George Eustice and Philip Hollobone. In addition to Bone, three MPs move down the rankings to become less likely to defect - Bernard Jenkin, Andrew Rosindell and Bill Cash.

Here are the odds from Ladbrokes as they stand.

Ladbrokes is also offering odds on a few outliers. Fancy a punt on David Cameron defecting? That’ll be 500/1. Conservative party chairman Grant Shapps? That’s 100/1.

Or how about newly resigned Brooks Newmark? Odds are 33/1 he’ll pack his paisley pyjamas for Ukip.